Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common medical procedure to treat delayed childbearing, and it relies on inserting sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy.
What is in vitro fertilization (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure in which sperm are inserted directly into the uterus during the ovulation period, which increases the chance of the sperm reaching the egg and fertilization occurring.
IUI is different from In vitro fertilization (IVF) In that the fertilization process occurs inside the body, while IVF fertilization takes place inside the laboratory.
Read also: In vitro fertilization (IVF): The complete guide.
Steps for artificial insemination
Artificial insemination depends on implanting sperm directly into the uterus after ovulation. Below we explain the steps in detail:
- The doctor determines the time of insemination based on ovulation, which occurs approximately two weeks after the first day of the menstrual cycle.
- The doctor first confirms the presence of eggs in the uterus by using ultrasound before collecting semen from the man.
- The doctor takes a semen sample after confirming the presence of mature eggs in the uterus, then washes it well with certain substances to remove any elements that could interfere with fertilization.
- The doctor then implants the sperm directly into the uterus via a fine catheter.
- The doctor asks the woman to rest for only 15-30 minutes after insemination, to allow the sperm to move from the cervix to the uterus.
- It is preferable not to exert any physical effort for approximately 3-4 days after vaccination, during which you must pay attention to healthy food, and then you can practice simple daily activities that are not severe or violent, such as: carrying heavy objects or standing for long periods.
- A pregnancy test is performed two weeks after vaccination, to ensure the success of this process.
Artificial insemination method
You may be interested in answering the question: When does pregnancy occur after artificial insemination?
The artificial insemination process consists of two basic steps, which include: –
First step:
Your doctor may prescribe some fertility medications, or recommend an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), to help you with the following: –
- Stimulate the growth of healthy eggs inside your body.
- Increase your fertility.
Step 2:
The sperm sample is washed before it is inserted into the uterus, in order to separate it from the semen, as some substances in the semen may help irritate the uterus, and may lead to some complications, such as cramps and pain.
Al-Tayeb will place the sperm into the uterine cavity, through a catheter, as this enables it to reach the uterus directly without being killed on the way, and this helps make its union with the egg more feasible and easy.
The doctor may ask you to lie down for 10 to 30 minutes after the vaccination procedure.
When is the egg fertilized after artificial insemination?
We still have no answer when pregnancy occurs after artificial insemination, and the timing of fertilization of the egg after artificial insemination depends on the type of procedure used, including:
- Intrauterine insemination, sperm is injected at a time close to ovulation, usually 36-40 hours after the blast dose is given, so fertilization occurs within a few hours to one day after the sperm injection.
- In vitro fertilization: After collecting eggs, they are combined with sperm in a laboratory dish either by letting the sperm fertilize the egg naturally, or by injecting a single sperm directly into the egg using ICSI technology. Fertilization is verified after about 16-18 hours of merging of the eggs and sperm.
Types of artificial insemination
The term artificial insemination is general and includes a variety of techniques. The choice of each type depends on the cause of infertility for the couple, the age of the wife, the quality of eggs and sperm, as well as the desire and desire of the spouses. Artificial insemination techniques include:
- Intrauterine insemination
It is the simplest technique in artificial insemination, as its idea is based on preparing a semen sample, purifying it, and injecting it directly into the uterus during the ovulation period.
The intrauterine injection technique is adopted if the cause of infertility is weak sperm movements in the husband, a low number, a problem in semen secretion, or a problem in the wife’s cervix that prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.
- In vitro fertilization
In the in vitro fertilization technique, eggs are extracted from the wife and fertilized by sperm in the laboratory, and after several days, the embryos are transferred to the wife’s uterus.
Doctors recommend the in vitro fertilization technique in cases of blockage of the wife’s fallopian tubes or a problem with the quality of sperm and eggs, and cases of endometriosis.
- Injection of sperm into the egg
It is similar to in vitro fertilization, but in it a single sperm is injected directly into the egg using a fine needle. This technique is used in cases of very low sperm count and an increase in the rate of sperm abnormalities.
- Frozen embryo transfer
The frozen embryo transfer technique is based on freezing the embryos that have been fertilized through the in vitro fertilization process and using them in a subsequent fertilization attempt. This technique is used in cases of desire to postpone the pregnancy process for any circumstances.
Tips before artificial insemination:
Adhere to the doctor’s instructions and take egg-stimulating medications on time.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in folic acid.
Stop smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Stay away from tension and stress.
How many days should I rest after artificial insemination?
It is recommended to rest completely and not move for 4-5 days after Pollination processThen, normal activities can be practiced without carrying heavy objects or standing for long periods.
تجربتي مع التلقيح الصناعي بالتفصيل
In this paragraph, Mrs. Ohoud tells us about her experience with artificial insemination. She says: “I have been married for 8 years, and my pregnancy was delayed for 6 years, even though my husband and I had no problem, so the doctors advised us to undergo artificial insemination.”
Mrs. Ohoud continues her speech: “The doctor prescribed me a medication called Clomid from the third day of my menstrual cycle, in order to stimulate ovulation, and then he asked me to go to it on the tenth day of my cycle, day after day, to monitor the eggs and their size via ultrasound.”
“The doctor immediately agreed to withdraw a semen sample from my husband, then made me wait about an hour, after which he admitted me to implant the sample in my uterus.”
“After the transplant, the doctor asked me to rest and not move for half an hour, then he allowed me to leave the clinic.”
“I took a blood test for pregnancy on the fifteenth day of the insemination process, and it came back negative, unfortunately. I was very sad, but I was satisfied.”
“My husband and I wanted to repeat the experiment, but the doctor asked us to wait for 3 months, then start the steps again. Thanks to God, the insemination process was successful, and I have Murad with me now, who is a year old.”
Who are the candidates for artificial insemination?
Artificial insemination is recommended for the following cases:
- A couple who tried to conceive naturally for a year to no avail.
- Men who suffer from fertility problems, such as low sperm count or motility, or a problem with ejaculation.
- Women who suffer from certain problems in the reproductive system, such as: cervical deformities, which make it difficult for sperm to move from it to the uterus to fertilize the egg naturally.
What is the rate of pregnancy after artificial insemination?
The success rate of artificial insemination ranges between approximately 7-10%, but if the doctor gives some medications to stimulate ovulation, the rate may increase to 15-25%.
يمكنك قراءة نسبة نجاح التلقيح الصناعي 5 عوامل تحدد فرصتك في الحمل
What is the rate of pregnancy after artificial insemination?
The success rate of artificial insemination and first pregnancy is between
Approximately 7 - 10%, and the percentage increases to 15 - 25%.
In cases where the doctor prescribes medications to stimulate ovulation.
يمكنك قراءة متى يحدث الحمل بعد التلقيح الصناعي داخل الرحم؟
Reasons for resorting to artificial insemination
The primary goal of artificial insemination is to help couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally to have children. Artificial insemination is used if the wife suffers from one of the following problems:
- Ovulation problems.
- Problems with the pituitary gland.
- Early menopause.
- Blocked fallopian tubes.
- A problem with the uterine lining.
- An immune problem that attacks sperm or the fertilized egg.
يمكنك التعرف على نسبة نجاح التلقيح الصناعي 5 عوامل تحدد فرصتك في الحمل
While problems for the husband resorting to artificial insemination include the following:
- Poor sperm motility.
- Low sperm count.
- Abnormalities in the shape of sperm.
- Hormonal or nervous problems in the husband.
When does artificial insemination not work?
There are many reasons that lead to the failure of the artificial insemination process, which are:
- Weak eggs or poor quality, and this may lead to failure of fertilization or the formation of weak embryos that will not live long.
- The age of the woman, as its success rates increase until the age of 35, but decrease after that, and it is not recommended to have it performed after 40.
- Weak sperm or decreased sperm count or motility.
- Failure to fertilize at the appropriate time. If the process does not occur within 12-24 hours of ovulation, the existing egg will disintegrate after this time.
- The lack of a suitable uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized egg may lead to failure of pregnancy and artificial insemination.
- Weak ovulation in women, and therefore eggs will be produced that are not good for successful artificial insemination.
- A lack of progesterone may lead to failure of insemination, because its presence increases the chances of pregnancy.
Steps for artificial insemination, day by day
Here are the day-by-day steps of artificial insemination (IUI) in a simplified and clear way to help you understand the stages that the body goes through, from the beginning of the cycle until the pregnancy test.
Day 1-3 of the cycle
- Visit the doctor for a vaginal ultrasound and hormone tests.
- Ensure the condition of the ovaries and uterus.
Day 3 - 10 approx
- Start taking ovulation stimulation medications, pills or injections, depending on the case.
- Follow up every two or three days with ultrasound to monitor the size of the eggs.
Day 10-12
- When the egg reaches a suitable size of 17–20 mm, an ovulation triggering injection is given.
- The artificial insemination date is set one to one and a half days later.
Day 12-14
- Artificial insemination is performed by inserting a washed sperm sample into the uterus with a thin tube.
- The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes.
- It is recommended to rest for 15-30 minutes afterward.
Day 14 - 28 Waiting stage
- Known as “Two Week Wait.”
- During this period, medications may be given to stabilize pregnancy, such as progesterone.
- It is preferable to rest, avoid effort, and stay away from anxiety.
Day 28, approximately 14 days after vaccination
- A digital blood test for pregnancy, Beta hCG, is performed to confirm the occurrence of pregnancy.
Book your consultation now at مركز الخصوبة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
Is artificial insemination painful?
IUI is mostly painless, and feels similar to a routine gynecological examination with a doctor.
- A very thin tube or catheter is inserted through the cervix;
- Some women feel mild discomfort or mild menstrual cramps, especially if their cervix is sensitive.
- No anesthesia is needed, and the procedure takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
However, after vaccination, you may feel slight pain in the lower abdomen or mild cramps for hours or a day, and light spotting of blood rarely occurs.
The difference between IUI and IVF in detail
The table below explains the difference between artificial insemination (IUI) and ICSI or IVF in detail, in terms of method, cost, steps, and when each is used.
| Item | IUI | IVF |
| term | Artificial insemination | ICSI/IVF |
| full name | Intrauterine Insemination | In Vitro Fertilization |
| Vaccination method | Sperm is inserted directly into the uterus during ovulation | The eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory, and the embryos are then returned to the uterus |
| Place of vaccination | Inside a woman's body in the womb | Outside the body in the laboratory |
| Number of steps | Simple steps: activate ovulation, then follow up, then place the semen into the uterus | Complex steps: strong stimulation, then egg retrieval, then insemination, then embryo transfer |
| pharmaceutical | Mild or moderate stimulant medications | Strong stimulating medications and under close monitoring |
| Anesthesia | Does not require anesthesia | Light anesthesia is required when retrieving eggs |
| Duration of procedure | Quick action 10 minutes | Multiple steps over 2 to 3 weeks |
| Success rate | From 10% to 20% per attempt | From 40% to 60% depending on age and health condition |
| When is it used? |
|
|
| Cost | Less expensive, convenient to start with, and easily repeated more than once | It is more expensive but gives a greater chance of pregnancy in complex infertility cases |
Frequently asked questions
What are the conditions for the success of artificial insemination?
There are some conditions that increase the success rate of pregnancy through artificial insemination, including:
- The young age of the woman.
- The quality of eggs and sperm and the possibility of fertilization are high.
- The cause of infertility is uncomplicated.
- The uterus is healthy and able to receive the fertilized egg.
- Adherence to the doctor's instructions.
- A healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition for spouses.
- Choosing an appropriate artificial insemination technique based on the cause of infertility.
- The doctor's experience and skill in using artificial insemination techniques.
How is artificial insemination performed for pregnancy?
Although artificial insemination techniques vary, in general the steps for performing it at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital include the following:
- Follow up with the doctor and prepare the wife by giving ovarian stimulation medications.
- Monitoring the growth of eggs using ultrasound and measuring the level of estrogen.
- Prepare a sample of the husband’s semen and purify it.
- In the case of artificial insemination techniques that require egg retrieval, the eggs are retrieved under local anesthesia using a thin needle.
- Fertilization of the egg either by direct injection of sperm into the uterus in the case of internal uterine insemination or inside the laboratory in the case of in vitro fertilization.
- Transferring the embryos to the woman's uterus using a thin tube.
- Follow up on the occurrence of pregnancy and perform a pregnancy test two weeks after vaccination.
Tips before artificial insemination?
There are some important tips that we advise you at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital before undergoing the artificial insemination procedure to increase the chance of pregnancy. These tips include both spouses, and they are as follows:
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet based on foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid for the wife.
- Regular exercise and exercise help improve blood circulation and increase fertility.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity or underweight, which affects fertility.
- Avoid habits that negatively affect fertility, such as smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Maintain the temperature of the genital areas for the husband and avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Psychological preparation for the vaccination process and avoiding tension and psychological pressure.
- Cooperate with the medical team and adhere to the doctor’s instructions.
- Avoid hard work and physical stress.
In the end, after you learned with us about Mrs. Ohoud’s experience in the section “My Experience with Artificial Insemination” in detail, we hope that you will adhere to the instructions of your obstetrician and gynecologist if he advises you on this procedure in order to increase your chances of pregnancy. There is no need for you to worry, as you can repeat it up to approximately 6 times if you are not over 35 years old.
Sources
Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Insemination – healthline
